Speed Shop Tailored Wheelsets

Because, in the pursuit of excellence, one size does not fit all.

We created Zipp Speed Shop to give you the option of selecting the best front and rear wheels, creating the perfect wheelset for your needs and the riding conditions you face. So regardless of where you ride and how you ride, we can match you with the wheels that best fit your unique application.

You want to win. We want to give you the tools for the job. Sounds like the perfect partnership.

Use the drop down boxes below to create a custom set of wheels that suits your needs. Once you have your custom set selected, simply click the submit button and print the resulting page to take to your local dealer. It's just that simple.

Wheel spec quick reference

In Speed Shop our products use abbreviated product numbers. Instead of 202, it’s a 2. A 303 is a 3 and so on. The following rankings compare Zipp wheels to each other and aren’t comparisons to wheels made by other manufacturers.

Aerodynamics Weight Stiffness more	Aerodynamics Weight Stiffness more	Aerodynamics Weight Stiffness more	Aerodynamics Weight Stiffness more
Aerodynamics Weight Stiffness more	Aerodynamics Weight Stiffness more	Aerodynamics Weight Stiffness more

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Quick Recommendations

The table below presents basic recommendations based on common applications. To create your own combination scroll below to read more about each wheel.

Type of riding	Recommended Front	Recommended Rear
Climbing
Criterium
Cyclocross
Road
Sprinting
Time Trial
Track
Training
Triathlon

Best     Better     Suitable    

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Purchasing Considerations

Tubulars vs. Clinchers:
Tubulars are typically recommended for race wheels and clinchers often recommended for training, though ultimately the final decision should be based on your preference, comfort level and budget. Also, mixing clinchers and tubulars means you have to carry spare tubes or tires for both, which may be problematic.

Wind:
Lighter weight riders (less than 160 lbs.) may not receive the full advantages of deeper wheels in strong crosswinds (such as the # 8 or 10 and Discs). So unless you can power through the wind, look for wheels that present the best aero advantage that you can comfortably ride.

Versatility:
The Speed Shop # 4 wheels (58mm) are the most versatile. As you move away from the # 4 toward the # 2 or Disc, the wheels become more specialized for specific applications.

Balance:
Balance your wheel combinations. Proven combinations are 3/4 or 4/8 or 10/sub9. Extremes, like a 2/10, may not have many practical applications.

Aero-a-go-go:
Aerodynamics (deeper wheels) always trumps weight unless you are climbing, require multiple accelerations (crits) or heavy crosswinds are a problem. The front wheel is the most important for obtaining aero-advantage. A rear wheel will contribute 75% of what the front delivers. So always select the most aero wheel you can comfortably handle.

Disc or no disc:
A rear disc, under real world conditions, is more aerodynamic than a spoked wheel. Ride a disc or deep wheel unless you expect control difficulties.

Value:
If you already own Zipp wheels, consider how your new purchase will extend your range of combinations. Own a set of 808s? Check out our Speed Shop 3s or 4s to go up front to aid in windy conditions.

Training:
Training on less aerodynamic wheels will give you a boost on race day with your aero-wheels (not applicable if you have power measurement).

Ironman wheelsets

Competing in an Ironman? Maybe you just want to ride like you are? Below you will find our recommendations for a few of the more popular Ironman events.

Ironman Arizona	Front	Rear
Normal conditions
High wind conditions

Ironman Coeur d’Alene	Front	Rear
Normal conditions
High wind conditions

Ironman Lake Placid	Front	Rear
Normal conditions
High wind conditions

Ironman Canada	Front	Rear
Normal conditions
High wind conditions

Ironman Louisville	Front	Rear
Normal conditions
High wind conditions

Ironman Wisconsin	Front	Rear
Normal conditions
High wind conditions

Ironman Hawaii	Front	Rear
Normal conditions
High wind conditions

Ironman Florida	Front	Rear
Normal conditions
High wind conditions

Best     Suitable    

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What’s the difference?

Starting with a standard aluminimum box section rim as baseline, and assuming an output of 300 watts, your time savings will be:

404 front + 404 rear = - 58-60 seconds/hour, i.e. savings of almost a minute
404 front + 808 rear = - 8 seconds (over 2x404)
808 front + 808 rear = - 12 seconds (over 404 + 808)
808 front + rear 900 disc = - 10-12 seconds (over 2x808)
808 front + sub9 rear = - 8-20 seconds (over 808+ 900 disc)
808 front + 1080 rear = - 6-8 seconds (over 2x808)
1080 front + 1080 rear = - 10-16 seconds (over 808 + 1080)

Slower riders may appreciate greater time savings as you will be riding for a longer time.